October 11, 2024 - Weekly Update
Calendar: October 14 No School - Early Fall Break
AAPS District News
The AAPS District News shared an Exceptional Profile of Tappan social studies teacher. We shared that Huron IB students are tackling invasive species, the A2 STEAM band rocked a wheelchair basketball tournament and a student-to-staff profile of Kevin Hudson. Read all of the AAPS District News stories here.
AAPS Board of Education
The next Board of Education meeting is Wednesday, October 23, at 7:00 PM at 3700 Earhart Road.
AAPS Health Alert - Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
We are continuing to see cases of Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in AAPS students at multiple schools. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that can be severe, particularly in young children. Pertussis can spread easily among household members and in group settings such as schools, workplaces and sports teams. Adolescents and adults are also at risk for infection with the disease since vaccine protection decreases over time.
Parents/guardians, please monitor your student for the following symptoms:
- Cough that comes in bursts (intermittent)
- Vomiting after coughing spells
- Cough lasting 7 days or more (with or without a “whoop”)
If your student is experiencing any of the above symptoms, keep them home from school and call your healthcare provider to get them tested.
School nurses and other AAPS staff work closely with the Washtenaw County Health Department to respond quickly to cases. Response includes notification of the entire school and detailed communication to close contacts with information about taking preventive antibiotics.
Learn more about Pertussis (Whooping Cough) here.
If you have questions or concerns, please call your health care provider, the Health Department at (734) 544-6700 or your school nurse.
AAPS Mental Health Partnership
When you or your child needs help, it’s hard to know where to turn. To ease the burden of finding the mental health and substance use services you need, AAPS has partnered with Care Solace. Care Solace’s multilingual and culturally sensitive Care Companion™ team is available 24/7/365 to quickly connect individuals to community providers regardless of need. We are grateful for the grant dollars that allow us to provide this critical service to our students and families. Learn more here.
AAPS Food Service Is Hiring
Chartwells Food Service is currently hiring for several positions, and we’re looking for motivated individuals to join our team. These roles are perfect for parents who want to work during school hours and have their evenings and weekends free.
Positions Available:
- Part-Time Food Service Workers:
- 15-25 hours per week (Monday through Friday)
- Starting at $16 per hour (depending on experience)
- Full-Time Sous Chefs:
- Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 2:30 PM
- Starting at $19 per hour (depending on experience)
If you or someone you know is interested click here to apply to the Ann Arbor Public Schools postings. Please email HR manager Brittney DeWitt at dewittb@aaps.k12.mi.us after applying to set up an interview.
AAPS Securly Tip Line
AAPS is pleased to offer this anonymous tip line for students, staff and families to address bullying, mental health concerns or important “See Something, Say Something” concerns. The Securly Tip Line can be downloaded from the AppStore or Google Play, and a bookmark will be placed on all student Chromebooks. Students, staff and parents can initiate an anonymous tip outside of the app via phone: 1-833-300-STOP, email: tipline@securly.com or their website: https://www.securly.com/tip.
AAPS Securly Parent Portal
In the Ann Arbor Public Schools, we utilize a cloud-based web filter called Securly to keep students safe on their district-issued devices. To help parents monitor their child's online activity at home, AAPS offers the free Securly Home app. This application allows web-based filtering and parental controls on district-issued devices at home. Parents may set rules to allow or disallow certain websites, pause the Internet connection to the device as desired, and receive weekly usage reports.
Special Education Millage on November Ballot
Did you know? If the special education millage renewal is approved by voters, it will support special education services and staff.
Special education services:
- Early On for ages birth-3 years
- Speech, physical and occupational therapy
- Assistive technology
- Nursing, psychology and social work
- Transition support for college, work & life
- Professional learning on best practices for educators
Special education staff:
- Teachers
- Paraprofessional
- Teacher consultants for educators and students with various disabilities
- Administrators and other support staff
On Tuesday, November 5th, voters will be asked to consider renewing a special education millage. Learn more at www.washtenawisd.org/SpecialEdRenewal.
My Future Fund
AAPS is excited about our continued partnership with My Future Fund, which provides free money and support to jump-start students’ savings for college and career training. This year’s first graders become eligible for a My Future Fund Account. Families of 2nd through 7th graders will receive their students’ account login information in October. Learn more at a pair of informational webinars on October 29th. Register for the 10 to 11 AM webinar or the 7 to 8 PM webinar.
AP Testing Information Session
Are you or someone you know considering taking an Advanced Placement (AP) Test this school year? Are you a parent new to high school who wants to know more about AP testing? If either of these is true, attend our AP Testing Information Session on Tuesday, October 29th, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM via Zoom. Our district AP coordinator, Anthony Lauer, will provide an overview of the AP testing process, reasons why a student may want to take an AP test and how to ensure your child both orders AND registers for the tests they want to take - it’s a two-step process. Join us Oct 29th at 7:30 PM here. If you are not able to attend, detailed AP Test Registration and Payment Information can be found here.
Rec & Ed
Adult Enrichment & Recreation
Enjoy cinema from around the globe and absorb some cultural history! Watch a themed series of movies exploring a cinematic style, region or concept, and engage in discussion. No need to be an expert: everyone is welcome! Virtual Cinema Club is a 90-minute 5-week class beginning November 6th.
Youth Team Sports
Online registration for Youth Fall Flag Football is Open to students in grades Y5-8th, the NFL Flag Football program is a non-contact sport emphasizing participation, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Players will receive an NFL team-branded reversible jersey and NFL Flag Football belt. Scholarship assistance is available.
Grades Y5-5th boys and girls: Join Michigan Futsal Factory Academy Staff for a 4-week Practice & Play Soccer Fall program. In this program, players will learn new Futsal/Soccer topics each week through fun activities and training games. Spend 15-20 min practicing and then play a real game for 40-45 min. Players will work with a professional coach during the training and during the game. Online registration will close on October 25th at 5 PM.
Youth Enrichment Program
Fencing is a great sport that develops focus, strategic thinking and good sportsmanship. Beginning Fencing Level 1 meets for 60 minutes once a week from October 27th to December 8th. Open to students in grades 2nd-8th.
Early Childhood Division - First Steps Program
A Spanish club for Spanish-speaking families! Gather together in our large playroom to play, sing, read and also learn about the culture, music and traditions that connect with Hispanic culture. This twice-a-month class includes an interactive storytime as well as many options around the room to play and socialize alongside other Spanish speakers. Ages: 12 months - 5 years with an Adult.
Rec & Ed Before and After Care Programs
Rec & Ed’s Before and After Care program has openings available at the following schools: Abbot, Allen (AM), Angell (AM), Bach (PM), Carpenter, Dicken (PM), Eberwhite (PM), Lakewood, Logan (PM), Mitchell, Pittsfield (PM combined with Allen), Thurston (PM) and Wines (AM). Please visit the child care registration website or call 734-994-2300 ext. 0.
Programs are available to families needing financial assistance who meet income eligibility requirements. Find more information on our Rec & Ed Scholarship page.
Questions? Contact: aapschildcare@aaps.k12.mi.us
Join Our Friendly and Caring Rec & Ed Team
Rec & Ed wages and benefits are highly competitive. Schedules are flexible, with both part-time and full-time opportunities ranging from assistant to program director. Find out more about before/after care positions on our employment opportunities page.
Community Events and Information
Pittsfield Union Grange Apple Day
The Pittsfield Union Grange celebrates Apple Day on Saturday, October 12th, from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is your chance to make your own apple cider using their grinder and presses. You can bring your own cider-grade apples, or there will be apples for sale. More information here.
Varta Storytelling Festival
Varta is a global storytelling festival inspired by South Asia that aims to create an inclusive space where all stories matter. In 2024, our thematic emphasis is on oral storytelling traditions. The Ann Arbor event takes place on Sunday, October 13th, at the Ann Arbor District Library in partnership with the AADL, the University of Michigan’s Center of South Asian Studies and the Michigan Asia Pacific American Affairs Commission. Learn more and RSVP here.
City of Ann Arbor Seasonal Yard Waste Collection
The City of Ann Arbor is expanding services for the season to help residents manage fallen leaves. Between Monday, Oct. 7th and Friday, Dec. 13th, the number of bags that can be left at the curb for collection will be increased to 20 bags (50 pounds or less each); unlimited leaf drop-off will be permitted at the Ann Arbor compost facility, from residents or their landscaper; and free wood chips will be available to pick up at three locations around the city. More details here.
Understanding and Managing ADHD: Free Parent and Guardian Workshop
The University Center for the Child and Family is offering a free virtual workshop for parents and guardians. They can expect to learn what causes ADHD, what ADHD looks like in children and how to support children with ADHD at home, school and with friends. The next event is Friday, October 18th, at 2 PM. Click here for more information and to reserve a spot.
Household Electronics Takeback Event
Ann Arbor residents are invited to bring old, unused, or unwanted electronics to be either recycled or refurbished and reused by the city’s contractor, Comprenew. The take-back event is Saturday, October 19th, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Pioneer. Accepted items include computers, tablets, phones, keyboards and cables. Click here for full details on what will be accepted and required registration.
Science Cafe: Disinformation, Social Media and Elections
Join the University of Michigan’s Ariel Hasell from the Communication and Media department, and Barbara McQuade of the U-M Law School, for a discussion about truth, trust, government, and how we can be effective and critical technology users and consumers at the next University of Michigan Museum of Natural History’s Science Cafe. The discussion takes place Wednesday, October 23rd at Conor O’Neills from 6 to 8 PM.
Trunk or Treat
LaFontaine Kia invites the community to enjoy trunk-or-treat fun, cider and donuts and other Halloween activities on Thursday, October 24th, from 5 to 8 PM. Halloween costumes are encouraged.
Trick or Treat Parade
Downtown Ann Arbor celebrates Halloween on Saturday, October 27th. Events include the costume contest at the Ann Arbor District Library, a costume parade starting at noon, trick or treating and more activities on Main Street. Events take place from 11:30 AM to 3 PM.
Parenting Through Separation and Divorce Workshop
The University Center for the Child and Family is offering a free Parenting Through Separation and Divorce Workshop online via Zoom. The workshop will begin at 11 AM on Tuesdays. The next one starts on November 12th. Click here for more information and required registration.
Mulch Away
There’s much to be said for mulch. Leaves and grass that make their way into waterways add excess nutrients and use up valuable oxygen as they decompose. With the help of a mulching mower, leaves and grass clippings become a natural fertilizer and stay on your lawn. Learn more at hrwc.org/lawncare.
How to Address a Concern in the AAPS
If you have a concern in the AAPS, we want to hear directly from you. Please reach out directly to an adult, teacher, counselor or the principal at your child’s school. If additional assistance is needed with school issues beyond the school level:
For early childhood and elementary level issues, contact Melita Alston, Executive Director, Early Childhood and Elementary Education: alston@a2schools.org
For High School, Middle School and K-8 school issues, contact Dr. Roberta Heyward, Executive Director, K-8, Middle and High School Education: heywardr@a2schools.org